The historical library of Diodorus the Sicilian in fifteen books : the first five contain the antiquities of Egypt, Asia, Africa, Greece, the islands, and Europe : the last ten an historical account of the affairs of the Persians, Grecians, Macedonians and other parts of the world : to which are added the fragments of Diodorus that are found in the Bibliotheca of Photius : together with those publish'd by H. Valesius, L. Rhodomannus, and F. Ursinus / made English by G. Booth ..., Esq.

CHAP. V.

Polysperchon courts Eumenes to assist the Kings. Eumenes his Prudence amongst the Macedonian Captains. Ptolemy sends to the Captains and others not to assist Eumenes. Antigonus contrives to kill Eumenes; who marches into Phoenicia. Nicanor deceives the Athenians, and still keeps Munychia, and subtilly gets the Pyreum. Order'd by Olympias to deliver the Pyreum and Munychia to the Athe∣nians; but he shifts it off. Alexander, Son of Polysperchon, enters Attica; se∣cretly corresponds with Nicanor, and displeases the Athenians. Phocion's hard Usage at his Trial in Athens, is condemn'd, and executed. Cassander arrives at the Pyreum. Polysperchon comes against him, but returns. Besieges Megalo∣polis, but is there much damnify'd, his Elephants spoil'd by a Stratagem. A Sea-Fight between Clitus and Nicanor. Nicanor beaten. Clitus afterwards routed by Nicanor, is kill'd in his Flight to Macedonia. Antigonus goes after Eumenes. Eumenes near losing his Army by the Breach of a Dyke in Babylonia. The Greek Cities revolt to Cassander. The Athenians make Peace with him. He kills Nicanor.

ARchippus being chief Magistrate of Athens, and Quintus Aelius and Lucius. Papirius * 1.1 Roman Consuls, the Letters from Polysperchon were deliver'd to Eumenes presently after his Release out of the Fort; in which were contain'd, besides what was before de∣clar'd, That the Kings had bestow'd of their Bounty upon him, Five hundred Talents to repair his Losses he had lately sustain'd, and had sent Letters to the Governors and Trea∣surers of Cilicia to pay to him the said Five hundred Talents, and what other Monies he * 1.2 should have occasion for, either for raising of Soldiers, or any other necessary Uses. And that they had order'd a Thousand Macedonian * 1.3 Argyraspides, with their Officers, to be observant to him, and readily and chearfully to serve him upon all Occasions, as he that was appointed General with full and absolute Power and Authority over all Asia. There came likewise Letters to him from Olympias, by which she earnestly intreated him to be Assistant both to her and the Kings; for that he only remain'd the most Faithful of all the Friends they had, who was able to relieve the desolate State and Condition of the King's Family. She likewise desir'd him to advise her, Whether it was better for her to remain still in Epirus, (and not trust him who claim'd the Guardianship of the Kings, but in truth sought the Kingdom,) or to return? Hereupon Eumenes forthwith writ to her back again, That he conceiv'd it most Advisable for her at the present to continue in Epirus till the War was ended: That he himself was resolv'd to be ever Faithful and Constant in his Love and Duty towards the Kings, and not in the least to adhere to Antigonus, who was aspiring to gain the Kingdom: And because Alexander's Son, by reason of the Tenderness of his Age, and the Covetousness of the Captains, stood in need of Help, he look'd upon it as his Duty to ex∣pose himself to the utmost Hazards for the Preservation of the Kings. Hereupon he forthwith * 1.4 commanded all his Soldiers to decamp, and so march'd out of Cappadocia, having with him about Five hundred Horse, and above Two Thousand Foot: For he had no Time to * 1.5 wait upon the slow March of them, who had promis'd to join with him; because a great Army of Antigonus (under the Command of * 1.6 Menander) was near at hand, and it was now no staying for him in Cappadocia, being a declar'd Enemy of Antigonus: But though this Army came three Days too late, (and so lost their Opportunity,) yet they resolv'd to pursue the Troops with Eumenes; but not being able to reach him, they return'd into Cappadocia. For Eumenes making long Marches, presently recover'd Mount Taurus, and so got into Cilicia: Here Antigenes and Tautamus, the Captains of the * 1.7 Argyraspides, with their Friends, (in Obedience to the Kings Letters,) met Eumenes, after a long and tedious March, and joyfully Congratulated him for his unexpected Deliverance out of his great Troubles, promising to be ready on all Occasions at his Command. There met him likewise about Three thousand Argyraspides out of Macedonia, with great Demon∣strations of Love and Affection. This sudden and almost incredible Change was the Sub∣ject of every Body's Admiration; when they consider'd how the Kings and Macedonians (a little before) had condemn'd Eumenes and all his Fellows to Die, and now having forgot that Sentence denounc'd against him, not only pardon'd him, but promoted him to the highest Place of Command in the whole Kingdom. And it was not without just

Cause, that they who consider'd the wonderful Changes that attended Eumenes should be * 1.8 taus affected: For who that does but observe the different Accidents in the course of Man's Life, would not be amaz'd at the various Turns and Changes of Fortune to and fro, first on one side, then on another? Or who, trusting in the present Supports of a prosperous Fortune, would upon that account be so far transported, as to forget the Infirmity of Human Nature? For every Man's Life (as dispes'd and order'd by the Providence of some one of the Gods) has been chequer'd (as it were) with the reciprocal Turns of Good and Evil in all Ages of the World. So that it is a Wonder, that not only what is strange and unaccountable, but that even every thing that falls out should be surprizing and unexpected. Therefore who can sufficiently value History? For by the variety and change of Affairs, (there represented,) a Check is given to the Pride of the Fortunate, and allays the Grief and Misery of the Unprosperous. Which Things Eumenes then wisely considering, and weighing beforehand the Instability of Fortune, he manag'd his Affairs with the more Caution and Prudence. For thinking with himself that he was but a * 1.9 Stranger, and had no Right to Kingly Power and Authority, and that the Macedonians (who were now under his Command) not long before judg'd him to Die; and that the Commanders and Captains were all inflam'd with the Heat of ambi∣tious Designs, he conceiv'd that in a short time he should be despis'd and envy'd, and at length be brought into danger of his Life. For none are willing to submit to the Com∣mands of those that they look upon to be their Inferiors, nor be Lorded over by them, who ought rather to be under the Commands of others themselves. Seriously therefore pon∣dering these Things with himself, in the first place he refus'd to accept of his Five hun∣dred Talents order'd him by the King's Letters for the Repair of his former Losses, and Refitting of himself with Necessaries: For he said, He needed not so large a Sum, seeing he pretended to no Principality there; and that which he now enjoy'd was not of his own Choice, but was forc'd by the Kings to undertake the present Service. To con∣clude, he said, That by reason of the continual Fatigues of War he was so worn out, that he was not able to endure those Hardships, and runnings from Place to Place, any longer, especially being that a Stranger had no Right to Command; and by Law was excluded from the Authority due to be executed by such as were of the same Nation with the Macedonians: For he said, There was represented to him a wonderful Apparition in his Dream, which he judg'd very necessary to discover to them all, for that it might (as he conceiv'd) conduce much to the promoting of Peace and Concord, and the Publick Good. He declar'd, That in his Sleep Alexander, the late King, seem'd to appear to * 1.10 him (as he was when living) adorn'd in his Royal Robes, and sitting on his Throne gi∣ving out Orders to his Captains, and (as in his Health) disposing and managing all the Affairs and Concerns of the Kingdom.

Therefore (says he) I am of Opinion, That a Throne of Gold should be made at the Charge of the King's Treasury, in which should be plac'd the Diadem, Scepter and Crown, and all the other Ensigns of Royalty; and that at spring of Day all his Captains should offer to him Sacrifices; and standing toge∣ther * 1.11 near the Throne, should receive Commands in the King's Name, as if he were alive at the Helm of the Government.

All were very well pleas'd with what he said; and thereupon every thing was presently prepared for the purpose, for the King's Trea∣sury was very rich; and that stately Work was forthwith finish'd, and the Throne was set up; whereon were plac'd the Diadem, Scepter, and the Arms he us'd to wear. Then was plac'd an Altar with Fire upon it, upon which all the Captains one after another cast Frankincense, (taken out of a Golden Casket,) and other costly sweet Odours, and ador'd Alexander as a God. After this were order'd a great number of Seats, upon which the Captains and great Commanders sate together, and there consulted and debated all the weighty and important Affairs. Eumenes in the mean time carrying himself with an equal Respect and Deference in all publick Meetings towards all the Captains, and sup∣pling them with fair and courteous Language, not only avoided the Strokes of Envy, but thereby gain'd all their Hearts. By the same Artifice (through the Prevalency of Su∣perstition relating to the King) he so elevated the Hopes and Expectations of the whole Army, as if some God were to be their General. In like manner he behav'd himself to∣wards the Argyraspides, and thereby so gain'd their Favour, that they counted him highly worthy to be the Protector of the Kings.

Then he pick'd out the fittest Persons from among his Friends, and furnish'd them * 1.12 with great Sums of Money, and employ'd them to hire Soldiers up and down upon large Pay. Whereupon some of them forthwith went into Pisidia and Lycia, and the border∣ing Countries, and diligently put in execution what they were commanded. Others went into Cilicia, and some into Coelo-Syria and Phoenicia, and others sail'd to the Cities in Cyprus. This Listing of Soldiers being nois'd abroad, and reported what large Pay was

offer'd, many came flocking in from the Cities of Greece, and enroll'd their Names for this Service; so that in a short time they had rais'd above Ten thousand Foot, and Two thousand Horse, besides the Argyraspides, and those who came along with him.

The Forces of Eumenes being thus on a sudden increas'd to an incredible Number, * 1.13 Ptolemy arriv'd with the Fleet at Zaphyrium in Cilicia, and sent away some Commanders to sollicit the Argyraspides not to side with Eumenes, whom all the Macedonians had con∣demn'd to die. He sent likewise to the Governors of the Garison in * 1.14 Quindi, desiring them not to help Eumenes with any Money, and he would bear them out: But no Man regarded what he said, because the Kings and their Protector Polysperchon, and Olympias the Mother of Alexander, had written to them to be obedient in all things to Eumenes as to the Commander in Chief, and General of the Kingdom.

But of all others, Antigonus was most displeas'd and uneasie at the Growth and Advance∣ment of Eumenes; for he look'd upon him as the most powerful Enemy he had set up * 1.15 against him by Polysperchon, because he had deserted the Kings: Therefore he resolv'd by some Stratagem to cut him off; to which end he employ'd one of his Friends, Philo∣tas, and deliver'd to him Letters to the Argyraspides, and the rest of the Macedonians, (that * 1.16 sided with Eumenes,) and sent along with him Thirty Macedonians (who were crafty and fair-spoken Men) with Orders to deal with Antigenes and Tautamus, the Captains of the Argyraspides, privately and apart by themselves, to destroy Eumenes, promising them great Rewards, and larger Provinces; and that they should likewise apply themselves to their Fellow-Citizens and Acquaintance amongst the Argyraspides, and by Bribes draw them to cut off Eumenes: But they were not able to prevail with any, except Tautamus, one of the Captains of the Argyraspides, who being corrupted by Bribes, promis'd not only for him∣self, but undertook to draw over his Collegue Antigenes to this foul Design: But Antigenes being a prudent and faithful Man, not only refus'd, but prevail'd with him that was be∣fore corrupted to alter his Purpose: For he told him, That it was more expedient that Eu∣menes should live than Antigonus; for he being already grown Great, when he became more Powerful would thrust them all out of their Governments, and give to them which of his Friends he pleas'd: But as for Eumenes, being but a Stranger, he durst not attempt to gain the Sovereign Authority, but would be content with his present Command, and to gain their Favour, would secure to them their Provinces, and perhaps add more to them. And in this manner were all the Projects against Eumenes frustrated and brought to nought. In the mean time Philotas delivering a Letter of Antigonus to the Com∣manders, writ to all the Captains and Soldiers in general; the Argyraspides and other Macedonians got together by themselves unknown to Eumenes, and commanded it to be read openly to them: In which were Accusations against Eumenes, and Advice to the Macedonians forthwith to seize upon him and put him to Death, and if they did not, that he would come presently and fall upon them with his whole Army, and do exemplary Justice on them for their Disobedience. Upon the hearing the Contents of these Letters, the Macedonians and their Captains were greatly terrify'd: For one of these two was un∣avoidable, either to fall under the revengeful Displeasure of Antigonus by adhering to the Kings, or to be punish'd by Polysperchon and the Kings for observing the Commands of Antigonus. While all the Soldiers were in these distracted Thoughts, Eumenes comes in amongst them, and hearing the Letters read, advis'd them to obey the Orders of the Kings, and not to give any regard to an open declar'd Rebel; and having spoken many things pertinent to the present Occasion, he not only avoided the present imminent Dan∣ger, but inclin'd all the Soldiers to him in a firmer Bond of Duty and Affection than ever they were before. And thus this Man, who was again on a sudden even involv'd in insuperable Dangers, yet was so wonderfully Fortunate, as thereby to strengthen himself the more. Ordering therefore his Army to march, he made for Phoenicia, and endea∣vour'd * 1.17 to get Shipping from all Sea-Towns along as he went, in order to make up a strong Navy, that by having a Fleet in Phoenicia, he might be Master of the Sea, and have what Forces he pleas'd, and be able to transport Polysperchon at any time with safety out of Macedonia into Asia against Antigonus. To this purpose there he continu'd in Phoe∣nicia.

While these Things were acting, Nicanor (who held Munychia) hearing that Cassander * 1.18 had left Macedonia, and was gone to Antigonus, and that Polysperchon was suddenly expe∣cted with an Army in Attica, earnestly sollicited the Athenians to stand firm in their Affe∣ctions to Cassander. But when none would consent to what was desir'd, but all were rather for the Garison to march away with all speed; at first he over-perswaded the Peo∣ple with fair Words to forbear a few days, and that he would afterwards do what should be most for the Good of the City. But after the Athenians had been quiet for some days, * 1.19

secretly in the Night he brought Soldiers by little and little into Munychia, so that now he had got in strength sufficient to defend the place, and to oppose those that design'd a Siege.

Hereupon the Athenians perceiving Nicanor meant nothing in what he did, for the ad∣vantage * 1.20 and safety of the City, they sent a Messenger to the King and Polysperchon, de∣siring their assistance according to the Purport of their Letters, whereby they restor'd the Grecians to their Liberties: Then they had frequent Assemblies and Consultations a∣mong themselves, how to manage the War against Nicanor: And while they were busy∣ing their Heads about these Affairs, he drew out many of his Mercenaries secretly in the * 1.21 Night, possess'd himself of the Walls of the Pireum, and the Mouth of the Harbour. The Athenians hereupon, were vex'd to the Heart, to see how they were gull'd and cheated as to Munychia, and had carelesly lost the Pireum. They sent therefore some of the greatest Persons of Quality, and such who were Nicanor's special Friends (that is to say) Phocion the Son of Phocus, Conon the Son of Timotheus, and Clearchus the Son of Nau∣sicles, as Agents to Nicanor, to debate the late transactions they had with him, and requi∣ring him to permit them to enjoy their Laws and Liberties, according to the late Edict in that behalf. To whom he answer'd, That they must go to Cassander, for he had his Commission to be Governor of the Garison from him, and had no power to treat of himself.

About this time came a Letter from Olympias to Nicanor, commanding him to deliver * 1.22 Munychia and the Pyreum to the Athenians: He understanding that the Kings and Polys∣perchon had recall'd Olympias into Macedonia, and committed the young Son of Alexander to her Care and Tuition; and had restor'd her to her former Royal State and Dignity, (the same that she enjoy'd when Alexander was living) meerly out of fear promis'd to re-deliver them, but always contriv'd some colourable excuse or another, and so protracted the Business. The Athenians in former times had ever a great esteem for Olympias, and now purposing (in the Reality of their Affections) to celebrate those publick Honours which were decreed to her, (and hoping that the Liberties of the City would be by her perfectly restor'd to them, and put out of the reach of all future danger) were very jo∣cund and exceedingly pleas'd.

In the mean time the Promises of Nicanor not being perform'd, Alexander, the Son of Polysperchon, came with an Army into Attica: The Athenians indeed thought that he came * 1.23 to restore to them Munychia and the Pyreum; but the Event prov'd the contrary, for he seiz'd upon both for the Service of the War: For some who had been Antipater's Friends, (and among them Phocius) fearing some Punishment from the Laws, met Alexander, and advising him what to do, persuaded him to retain the Forts in his own Hands, and not restore them to the Athenians till the War was ended with Cassander: Hereupon, Alex∣ander Encamp'd at the Pyreum, and would not permit the Athenians to treat with Nicanor; but by his separate Treatise with him, and secret and private Transactions of Affairs be∣tween * 1.24 them, he gave manifest Indications of the Injury design'd the Athenians. The People therefore met together in a Common Assembly, and Depos'd the present Magi∣strates; and set up such as most favour'd the Democracy, and condemn'd them that were of the Oligarchy; Some to Death, and others to Banishment and Confiscation of Goods: Amongst whom Phocton was one who had the Chief Command in the time of Antipater.

These being all forc'd out of the City, fled to Alexander the Son of Polysperchon, and endeavour'd to engage his help for their Preservation: Alexander kindly receiv'd them, * 1.25 and writ on their behalf to his Father, to protect Phocion and his Friends, as those that favour'd his Interest, and engag'd readily to afford their assistance in all his Concerns: The Athenians likewise sent an Embassy to Polysperchon to accuse Phocion, and to sollicite for the restitution of Munychia, and restoring them to their ancient Laws and Liberties. Polys∣perchon indeed had a very great desire to retain the Pircum, because that Port might be of weighty concern and importance in the carrying of the War, but was asham'd to act contrary to the Edict divulg'd by himself; and fearing lest the Grecians should desert him, if he dealt so basely with that City, which was the Metropolis, he chang'd his Mind: Having therefore heard the Ambassadors, he courteously dismist those from the Athe∣nians with a Gracious Answer; but seiz'd upon Phocion and all his Followers, and sent * 1.26 them bound to Athens, granting Power to the People, either to Pardon them, or put them to death: Whereupon a General Assembly being call'd in Athens, Judgment of Death was resolv'd upon Phocion and the rest that were accus'd: This was carry'd on by those who had been banish'd under Antipater, and others that favour'd not that Govern∣ment, both these strongly urg'd to have them put to death.

The sum of the Accusation was this; That after the Lamian War they endeavour'd for * 1.27 the most part to Inslave their Country, and to abolish the Democracy, and the Ancient Laws: Time being allotted to the Accus'd to plead their Cause, Phocion began to speak for himself; but the People tumultuously cry'd out against all that he said, and rejected his Defence, so that the Accus'd knew not what Course to take: When the Tumult ceas'd, Phocion began again to speak, whereupon the whole Multitude set up a shout on purpose, that what he said should not be heard: For the Common People (being not long before excluded from having any share in the Administration of the Government, and now newly restor'd beyond all expectation to their Right) bore an inveterate Ha∣tred against those who depriv'd the Citizens of their Laws and Liberties.

While Phocion was thus overborn, and even in a desperate Condition strugling to pre∣serve his Life; those that were next to him, understood the Justice and Equity of his Cause; but those at a distance could hear nothing for the Noise and Clamour that was made by the tumultuous Rabble, but only discern'd the various trembling motions of his Body, through the inevitable danger that seem'd to threaten him. At length Phocion in despair of his own Life, cry'd out aloud, desiring them to condemn him to Die, but to spare the rest.

But the Common People being Fierce and Inexorable; some of Phocion's Friends stood * 1.28 up to make his Defence. Hereupon the People were quiet for a while, and heard what they said at first; but when they proceeded so far as to press Arguments for the clearing of his Innocency, they were cast out with tumultuous and contradicting Clamours: At length being all condemn'd by the unanimous Voice of the People: they were carry'd a∣way to the Gaol there to be executed, and were follow'd by many Honest and Sober Men, who bewail'd their Condition, and the greatness of their Misery: For upon seri∣ous Consideration of the inconstancy of every Man's Fortune, it affrighted many to see that Magistrates and Persons of eminent Quality, and Men that had shew'd many acts of kindness in the course of their Lives, should neither have Liberty to plead for themselves, nor otherways enjoy the Benefit of Law. But many of the Rabble being incens'd against Phocion unmercifully, even rent his Heart in pieces with Scoffs and Scorns, and bitterly upbraided him with the Misery of his present Condition. For Hatred smother'd to∣wards Men while in Prosperity, when it breaks forth with Anger against them in time of their Adversity, becomes altogether Savage and Implacable. Being therefore all put to * 1.29 Death (according to the Custom of the Country) by drinking a Potion of Hemlock, all their Bodies were cast forth unburied, out of the Bounds and Limits of Attica: And this was the end of Phocion, with others that suffer'd with him in the same Calamity.

After this, Cassander having got Five and thirty long Ships, and Four thousand Men, * 1.30 Sail'd into the Pireum, and being receiv'd by Nicanor, Governor of the Fort, possess'd himself of the Pireum and the Harbour: But Munychia Nicanor kept himself, with a Force sufficient to defend the Place. At this time Polysperchon and the Kings lay in Phocis; where being inform'd of Cassander's being landed at the Pireum, Polysperchon marched into Attica, and Encamp'd near the Pireum: He had with him Twenty thousand Macedonian Foot, and Four thousand Confederates, a Thousand Horse, and Sixty five Elephants; he resolv'd therefore to besiege Cassander: But because Provision was scant, and the Siege was likely to be long and tedious, he was forc'd to leave so many of the Soldiers in At∣tica as the Country was able to maintain, under the Command of Alexander, and he himself marched into Peloponnesus with the greater part of the Army, to reduce the Mega∣lopolitans to the Obedience of the Kings; for they being for an Oligarchy sided with Cas∣sander. While Polysperchon was busied in these Affairs, Cassander sail'd with his Fleet to the Aegeans, and brought them in to join with him; but the Salaminians (who were disaffe∣cted) he closely besieg'd, and being well furnish'd both with Men and Arms, he assaul∣ted them several days together, and reduc'd them to very great Extremities: But when the City was near being taken by Storm, Polysperchon sent a considerable Force both by Sea and Land to attack the Besiegers; at whose approach Cassander being affrighted, he rais'd the Siege, and sail'd back to Pireum. Then Polysperchon pass'd over to Peloponnesus, to settle Matters there for the Service and Advantage of the Kings. Coming there he * 1.31 call'd a Senate, and spoke to them concerning their joining with him as Confederates in the War; he sent likewise Commissioners to the Cities, with Orders to put to Death them that were created Magistrates in the Oligarchy by Antipater, and to restore the Peo∣ple to their ancient Laws.

Many obey'd the Order, so that while Slaughters and Banishments fill'd the Cities, they that favour'd Antipater's Party were ruin'd and destroy'd; and the Democratital Go∣vernments being restor'd to their ancient Laws, all join'd with Polysperchon: The Mega∣lopolitans

only kept close to Cassander, therefore he determin'd to besiege their City. The Megalopolitans hearing what was design'd by Polysperchon, order'd by a publick Decree to∣bring * 1.32 in every thing into the Town that was in the Fields: Then taking an account of their strength they found that in ancient Citizens, Strangers and Servants, they were in number Fifteen thousand who were able to bear Arms; They forthwith therefore form'd some into Regiments; others they appointed to work in the Fortifications; and to some were allotted the care and charge of Guarding of the Walls; so that at one and the same time, some were employ'd in drawing a deep Trench round the City, some carrying Earth out of the Fields, and others repairing and making up the Breaches in the Walls, others hammering of Arms, and others were busy in making of Darts and Artillery: So that the Dangers which threatned, and the forwardness of the Inhabitants put the whole City in action: For the Greatness of the Kings Army, and the wonderful strength of the E∣lephants that attended them, was nois'd abroad in every place. And now all things were ready and prepar'd, when Polysperchon approach'd with his Army, and Encamp'd near * 1.33 the City, dividing his Forces into two Camps, one of Macedonians, and another of Con∣federates; and then brings to the Walls wooden Towers of that height as to overtop them; and upon the Towers Men placed with all sorts of Weapons, and with these he drave them off, who were placed upon the Rampiers. * 1.34

In the mean time, the Walls being Undermin'd, and the Props and Supporters set on fire, three of the largest Towers were overwhelm'd and tumbled down, with the ruin of the like number of Turrets plac'd between them. This great and sudden Destruction caus'd the Macedonians to set up a shout, and the strangeness of the thing amaz'd the Be∣sieg'd: And now the Macedonians rush through the Breach into the City, and the Mega∣lopolitans before in parties, now all together (having the advantage of the Difficulty of the Place occasion'd by the Rubbish) made up to one part, and bravely bore the Brunt of the Enemies attack, and beat them off: Then they cast up another Work of Earth to guard the Breach; and working Night and Day without any intermission, rais'd ano∣ther Wall between them and the Enemy; which was presently compleated; for being they were furnish'd with every thing that was necessary, and had many Hands at work, the Megalopolitans quickly repair'd the damage sustain'd. As for those that assaulted them from their Wooden Towers, they ply'd them with their Engines of Artillery, and with Darts and Stones out of Bows and Slings, gall'd and wounded many of their Enemies. After many were kill'd and wounded on both sides, till Night approaching, Polysperchon sounded a Retreat, and drew off his Men into the Camp.

The next day he remov'd the Rubbish before the Breach, to make way and passage for the Elephants, for he thought by the strength of these Creatures to break through into * 1.35 the City: But the Megalopolitans by the help and conduct of Damides (who in the Wars un∣der Alexander, experimentally knew the Nature and Use of the Elephants) altogether baffl'd the Enemy: For he making use of his own Reason and Industry against the Beasts Strength and Violence, made their strong Bodies Useless and Unserviceable; for in a * 1.36 great number of Planks he drave sharp Spikes, and then strew'd them here and there in deep Trenches cover'd with Earth, so as that the Points of the Spikes might not be seen, and thus over these he left the Passage into the City: But he suffer'd none of the Soldiers to stand in the Front, but plac'd a great number of Darters and Archers, and Engines of Artillery in the Flank.

Polysperchon therefore having clear'd the Place, and now approaching with the throng of his Elephants, an unexpected misfortune befell them: For none appearing in Front to oppose them, the Indians press'd them forward to make their way into the City, who by the great weight of their Bodies press'd down upon the Spikes, so that their Feet being wounded, and even pierc'd through, they were so founder'd, that they were neither able to go forward, or return back: And besides, showers of all sorts of Darts and Arrows being poured upon them from the Flankers, some of the Indians were kill'd, and others so wounded, that they were not able to do any further service.

In the mean time, the Elephants (through the multitude of Darts, and the strange and unusual Wounds by the Spikes) were so cruelly tormented, that they forc'd back * 1.37 through their own Men, and trode down many under foot: At length the strongest and most formidable amongst them fell down, others became altogether Unserviceable, and some kill'd many of their own Men.

Upon this Success the Megalopolitans were greatly encourag'd; but Polysperchon wish'd he had never undertaken the Siege; and because he could stay no longer there, he left part of the Army to carry it on, and betook himself to matters of more necessary con∣sequence. Then he sent away Clitus the Admiral with the Fleet, Commanding him to * 1.38

lie upon the Coasts of the Hellespont, to stop the Passage of the Forces out of Asia into Europe, and to join with Arrhideus, who had fled to the City of the Ganians, being Ene∣my to Antigonus. After he had pass'd over the Hellespont, and taken in the Cities of the Propontis, he strengthen'd his Army with the Forces of Arrhideus. Nicanor the Governor of Munychia, on the other side, being sent away with the whole Fleet by Cassander, sail'd to those Parts where Clitus lay: He join'd likewise with the Navy of Antigonus, so that he had a Fleet of above a Hundred Sail.

Hereupon there was a Fight at Sea near * 1.39 Byzantium, wherein Clitus was Conqueror, * 1.40 and sunk Seventeen of the Enemy's Ships, and took no fewer than Forty, together with all their Men. The rest got into the Haven of Chalcedon. Clitus being thus successful, suppos'd the Enemy by reason of this great loss durst never engage more at Sea.

But Antigonus having intelligence of this Defeat of the Fleet, by his Industry and ad∣mirable Conduct, presently repair'd it: For having sent for several Transport Ships in the Night from the Byzantians, on these he put on board Darters, Slingers, and other light-arm'd Men, sufficient for the present design, and in the Night transported them to the other side; who before Day setting upon the Enemy at Land (who had left their Ships and were there Encamp'd) put Clitus and his Men into great Terror and Confu∣sion; who in that sudden Fear and Amazement leap'd into their Vessels; so that through the cumber of their Luggage, and multitude of Prisoners, the Tumult and Disorder ex∣ceeded.

In the mean time, Antigonus had fitted out some * 1.41 Long Ships, and Mann'd them with many of his stoutest Foot Soldiers, and bid them boldly attack the Enemy, for they were sure to be Conquerors. Hereupon they came up with Nicanor in the Night, and about * 1.42 break of Day fell in suddenly upon the Enemy still in confusion, and presently upon the very first Charge put them to flight; some of the Enemy's Ships they broke in pieces with the Beaks of their own, and brush'd off the Oars of divers; some they gain'd with∣out fighting; being deliver'd up by the Men themselves that were on board. At length all the rest (except the Admiral's Ship) fell into their Hands. Clitus forsook his Ship and got ashore, and design'd to have preserv'd himself by getting into Macedonia; but in his way falling amongst some of Lysimachus his Soldiers, he was slain.

Antigonus his Reputation for Skill and Prudence in the management of Martial Affairs, was much advanc'd by this remarkable Victory. Hereupon he was very earnest and in∣tent * 1.43 to be Master at Sea, and (without the least doubt of the matter) to gain the So∣vereignty of Asia. To this end he pick'd out of his whole Army, Twenty thousand Foot, and Four thousand Horse, that were the briskest and most active Men, and march'd towards Cilicia to break Eumenes before he grew too strong. But Eumenes understanding the hot Temper of Antigonus, march'd away into Phaenicia to regain it for the Kings, then unjustly detain'd from them by Ptolemy: But not having an opportunity to do what he design'd, he remov'd out of Phaenicia, and march'd with his Army through Caelo-Syria, to get into the higher Provinces. Afterwards he lost some of his Men at the River Tigris, by an attack upon him in the Night by some of the Inhabitants. In the like manner he * 1.44 was fallen upon in the Province of Babylon, by Seleucus, near the River Euphrates, and was in great danger to have lost all his Army; where by the Breach of a Dyke his whole Camp was very near being over-flow'd and drown'd. But setting his Wits at work he fled to a high Bank of Earth, and diverting the Water another way, preserv'd both himself and his Army.

And so beyond his expectation he escap'd Seleucus, and got into Persia with Fifteen * 1.45 thousand Foot, and * 1.46 Thirteen hundred Horse. Having refresh'd his Soldiers after all their Toils and Labours, he sent to the Governors and Captains of the higher Provinces to fur¦nish him with more Men and Money. And in this State were the Affairs of Asia this Year.

But as for Europe, after the Losses and Misfortunes of Polysperchon at Megalopolis, many of the Greek Cities revolted from the Kings to Cassander. And because the Athenians * 1.47 could not get rid of the Garison either by the help of Polysperchon or Olympias, one of the most eminent Citizens made bold to say in the publick Assembly, That it was for the In∣terest of the City to close with Cassander. At the first there was a great Hurly-burly, some being for and others against what was said: But the advantage being more calmly debated and consider'd, by common consent it was at length decreed, That Peace should * 1.48 be made with Cassander, upon such Conditions as could be obtain'd by their Ambassa∣dors. In pursuance whereof, (after some Meetings) these were the Terms of Peace agreed upon, That the Athenians should quietly enjoy the City, the Territory and all the Profits, together with the Shipping and all other things, and should for the future be

Friends, and Confederates with Cassander; but that Cassander should for the present hold Munichia till the War was ended with the Kings: And that the Common-wealth should pay a Tribute of Ten Minas; and that an Athenian should be constituted Protector and Guardian of the City, whom-ever Cassander pleas'd. Whereupon Demetrius the Phalerian was chosen; who being invested with the Office, kept the City in perfect Peace, and carry'd himself very obligingly towards all the Citizens.

After this Nicanor brought his Fleet into the Pireum, adorn'd with the Beaks of Ships gain'd in the late Victory: Upon the account of which success he was at the first highly * 1.49 honour'd by Cassander, but afterwards perceiving that he grew Proud and Haughty, and still detain'd the Fort of Munichia with his own Soldiers, he had a jealousie of him that he intended to revolt, and therefore laid a Trap for him and cut him off. Then he march'd into Macedonia, where many of the Inhabitants revolted to him; many likewise of the Greek Cities were inclin'd to join with * 1.50 Cassander. For Polysperchon seem'd to be sloth∣ful and careless in managing the Affairs both of the Kingdom and the Allies. Cassander on the other hand, behaved himself with great Candor towards all, and approv'd him∣self industrious in the Management of Publick Affairs, so that he gain'd many who coun∣tenanc'd him in his seeking to obtain the Supream Authority.

But now because Agathocles the Year next following became Tyrant of Syracuse, we shall, as we design'd at the beginning, put an end to this Book, and begin the next with Agathocles his advance to the Throne, and go on with the Affairs proper and pertinent to our History.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Olymp. 115. 1. Ant. Ch. 318.
• * 1.2

  Polysperchon sends to Eume∣nes to join with the Kings.
• * 1.3

  Soldiers so call'd from their Silver Shields.
• * 1.4

  Ant. Ch 318.
• * 1.5

  P. 659.
• * 1.6

  Leander.
• * 1.7

  Argyraspi∣des. Silver Shields, or Sil∣ver Targateers.
• * 1.8

  Ant. Ch. 318.
• * 1.9

  Of Cardia in the Cher∣sonese of Thrace. Eumenes his prudent Deport∣ment. Ant. Ch. 318.
• * 1.10

  P. 660.
• * 1.11

  Ant. Ch. 318.
• * 1.12

  Ant. Ch. 318.
• * 1.13

  Ptolemy sends to the Captains not to assist Eumenes.
• * 1.14

  Where the King's Exche∣quer for Asia was kept. Strabo, l. 14. 72.
• * 1.15

  Antigonus contrives to kill Eumenes.
• * 1.16

  P. 661.
• * 1.17

  Eumenes marches into Phoenicia.
• * 1.18

  Nicanor de∣ceives the A∣thenians, still keeps Muny∣chia.
• * 1.19

  P. 662.
• * 1.20

  Ant. Ch. 318.
• * 1.21

  Nicanor gets Possession of the Pyreum by Subtilty.
• * 1.22

  Olympias by Letters orders Nicanor to re-deliver the Py∣reum to the Athenians, and Muny∣chia, but he puts it off. Ant. Ch. 318
• * 1.23

  Alexander, the Son of Polys∣perchon, comes with an Army into Attica.
• * 1.24

  Consults pri∣vately with Nicanor, and displeases the Athenians.
• * 1.25

  Ant. Ch. 318. Phocion con∣demn'd at A∣thens. P. 663.
• * 1.26

  Ant. Ch. 3••8.
• * 1.27

  Phocion's hard usage at his Tryal in Athens.
• * 1.28

  Ant. Ch. 318.
• * 1.29

  Phocion and others put to Death. Ant. Ch. 318.
• * 1.30

  P. 664. Cassander ar∣rives at A∣thens. Polysperchon comes against him.
• * 1.31

  Ant. Ch. 318.
• * 1.32

  Polysperchon besieged Mega∣lopolis, but was bassed with great loss.
• * 1.33

  Ant. Ch. 318.
• * 1.34

  P. 665
• * 1.35

  Ant. Ch. 318.
• * 1.36

  Damides spoils the Elephants of Polysper∣chon at Me∣galopolis, by a Stratagem.
• * 1.37

  Ant. Ch. 318.
• * 1.38

  P. 666.
• * 1.39

  Now Con∣stantinople. Ant. Ch. 318.
• * 1.40

  A Sea-fight be∣tween Clitus and Nicanor. Clitus Victor.
• * 1.41

  Men of War.
• * 1.42

  Another Sea-fight between Clitus and Nicanor. Clitus totally reuted. Ant. Ch. 318. Clitus slain by Lysimachus his Soldiers.
• * 1.43

  Antigonus goes after Eu∣menes.
• * 1.44

  Eumenes near losing his whole Army by the Breach of a Dike in Baby∣lonia. Ant. Ch. 318.
• * 1.45

  P. 667.
• * 1.46

  Three thou∣sand in the Margent.
• * 1.47

  In Greece the Greek Cities revolted to Cassander.
• * 1.48

  The Athenians make Peace with Cassan∣der. Ant. Ch. 318.
• * 1.49

  Cassander kills Nicanor.
• * 1.50

  Greek, Anti∣pater, but Er∣roneous. Many in Mace∣donia join with Cassander. Ant. Ch. 318.